Water Strider
Gerris argentatus
Adult water striders patrol the surfaces of ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, skating on long hydrophobic legs. They are active predators that detect ripples from trapped insects, then rush in to seize and pierce the prey. Adults can also use surface vibrations in courtship and territorial signals, and many have wings for dispersing between water bodies. Their ability to stand on water comes from both surface tension and thousands of tiny water-repellent hairs on their legs.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- Water Strider